trade my E30 for a '76 2002?

[pizzaman]

Would I trade a 2002 for an e30? Any day. Would I trade THAT e30 for THAT 2002? Naw mayne. If you are so inclined on a roundie, I would hold out for one. if you sold the e30 you could find a nice roundie for the same money you sold the e30 for. That 76' is decent but as it has been said before, there is overspray all over the engine bay (especially on the washer fluid nozzles lol) When it was repainted, he welded up the big bumper holes in the front, but doesnt appear he did the back. And it doesnt have a back bumper. I say hold out for a better 02. Thats my $.02. Pun intended.

[Ryann]

I've owned/loved both and I say keep the e30. As previously suggested I think a trade like this wouldn't be a bad thing, but not for that 02.

[mcgillaguddy]

pizzaman makes some good points, though on the overall I would have to say at least check it out. I would love for someone to trade me a nice 2002 for my e30... I adore the 2002's and the body looks great, interior from what you can see also looks superb. I think it is definitely worth checking out and if you do find yourself with concerns or things that should have been done, ask for some money on top. I think it would be a shame to pass up a clean 2002 without ever checking it out.

[schtozo]

If the 02 has a phone like your e30 does, do it with no doubt :P haha i personally like the e30 more than 02s but again an 02 as a second car should be fun.

[tyleRcoey]

thanks for the feedback guys!

to the 2002 people chiming in, trade aside, what would you value that 2002 at based on the pics and the owner claiming it runs just fine?

i might make a lowball monetary offer to keep the E30 and get this as a side project (assuming he would take my lowball offer).

[blunttech]

Just from the pics Id look closely. It appears to be a hack paint job spraying the hood release bar and wiper washers. People that do that bondo up shock towers and all kinds of sketchy crap. May be a fine car. I dont know.. Just check it thoroughly

thanks for the feedback guys!

to the 2002 people chiming in, trade aside, what would you value that 2002 at based on the pics and the owner claiming it runs just fine?

i might make a lowball monetary offer to keep the E30 and get this as a side project (assuming he would take my lowball offer).

[harv]

Holy overspray Bat Man!

Look closely at that body work. I see sins from here. Not long ago that was a 500 dollar car. Hood prop torsen thingey is all f'd up.

John

[tyleRcoey]

whats the best way to check besides the obvious visual of a bad bondo job? run a magnet over the shock towers?

[blunttech]

whats the best way to check besides the obvious visual of a bad bondo job? run a magnet over the shock towers?

That would be a good start. Heres a pic of my trunk. The shock towers should be uniform in texture and appearance

[monoblanco]

Whatever you get dude your portfolio is pretty sick.

[isayyo2]

You east coast guys must not get a lot of nice 2002's

[mcgillaguddy]

^
none around NH... all rusted as fuck. its hard as hell to find a nice 2002 around New England

[kingston]

Tyler,

You cannot get rid of your E30; at least, not without some things going missing from it! (Seats, headlights washers). It's the cleanest E30 I've ever seen!

[parkerbink]

Here is a cheap roundie for you.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/2459333014.html

I miss my 72 Tii like no one's business!

[mcaden]

You may want to read these buying tips from the BMW2002FAQ.com site: http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/80/32/

The buyers guide will cover the main points you need to look for which I won't repeat. If you post a good set of pictures on www.bmw2002faq.com, people will be happy to comment. However, Blunt and the others who have posted above know 2002s really well.

Here is my sense of it having owned both cars. There is different feel between the two cars. The '02 is significantly lighter, lacks power steering, louder (no real insulation), rear drum brakes, and its only interior electrical component is a radio. They are spartan, fun to drive, advanced for their time cars, and quite tossable in the corners. Your '02 will begin to rust if it even senses winter weather... so it may not be a good DD depending on where you live. A stock 02 is an awesome performer... as can be a modified one (think dual carb set up). A roundie is more valuable than a square tail. Irrespective, the classic 2002 boxy, nerdy but cool bodystyle speaks for itself and these cars perform very well. Read the 1968 Car & Driver review (Google it) by David E. Davis "Turn Your Hymnals to 2002" and you will probably be sold on the '02 before you finish reading it.

The e30 m20 engine has approximately 70 hp more than a stock '02 and it is still a very light car. It is approximately 2.5 seconds faster from 0-60 in stock form. Your E30 likely has amenities like power steering, fuel injection (vs. carb), power windows, power sunroof, ABS, rear disc brakes, sound insulation, and an OBC. The e30 stock seats are probably more comfortable and your AC may even work. The E30 is the perfect blend of the old and the new BMW. You can still easily perform basic maintenance on your E30 (and more difficult repairs)... and it has real performance/handling even by modern day standards.

Both are amazing cars... so there is no wrong here, just what is right for you. If you can find a way to own them both, that would be nice! Just my 02 cents.

Good luck.

-Marc